Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change The Inflation Induction Act: How the US Lost The Race for Clean Energy | Ep 219: Ethan Zindler
Jul 30, 2025
Ethan Zindler, former climate counselor to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and now head of countries and policy at BloombergNEF, dives into the shifting landscape of U.S. energy policy. He discusses the potential setbacks from the recent 'One Big Beautiful Bill' which could hinder clean energy investments, including wind and solar. Zindler also highlights the bright spots in the industry, like decreasing costs in certain technologies and growing support for advanced geothermal and nuclear options. His insights reveal the complexities and challenges ahead in America’s climate ambitions.
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Bill Cuts Wind & Solar Support
- The One Big Beautiful Bill drastically cuts tax credits for wind and solar, threatening a slowdown in US clean energy growth.
- New foreign entity rules and rapid timelines add complexity and risk for developers, especially those dependent on Chinese supply chains.
Renewables Rush Before Deadline
- Wind projects face a scramble to start construction early and meet deadlines to claim credits.
- A significant market drop is forecast around 2028 when tax credit access ends, impacting capacity additions.
Storage Credits and Supply Risks
- Battery storage tax credits phase out more slowly, reflecting recognition of their grid importance.
- However, dependency on foreign (especially Chinese) battery materials complicates compliance with new rules.